Shalom,
Well today was certainly different.I think i thought for a while yesterday that i may have overestimated how hard it was going to be,not so .Today was tough and for one reason,altitude.I hope not attitude.So often i would have to stop every 100 yards to get my breath and i tired easily.
Also in sleeping out ya dont get the hours or quality of sleep needed.It didnt help last night when as i was bunking down a cop spotted me and warned me of bears and mountain lions.I slept with one eye open.
At nearly 11000 feet its cold at night and i have 4 layers of clothing on but at least i have the luxury of some grass underneath tonight to soften my sleep.Hopefully tommorrow maybe a bit easier ,i must be due to go down the mountain soon.
Oh for the comfort of bed and warmth,but its all good fun.Bless you all,
Bernie
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
ist day rocking in the rockys
Greetings,
Well the ist day went really well.The weather was perfect and the mountain climb steady but not overly hard.In thinking about all the hard things i was to face i hardly thought of the absolute beauty that would greet me as soon as i entered the rocky mountains.It is magnificant and its only the start.Even riding at night i could still appreciate there splendour.
I am under no illusion though that it wont be as good as this all the way as far as the elements go but i will enjoy the first 3 days of good sunny days before the storms hit on sunday and apparently they can be full on but thats for another day.
Its late now and i have to find a tree to sleep under.Its a crazy way of living but its different and God has some good trees to choose from. Goodnight.
Well the ist day went really well.The weather was perfect and the mountain climb steady but not overly hard.In thinking about all the hard things i was to face i hardly thought of the absolute beauty that would greet me as soon as i entered the rocky mountains.It is magnificant and its only the start.Even riding at night i could still appreciate there splendour.
I am under no illusion though that it wont be as good as this all the way as far as the elements go but i will enjoy the first 3 days of good sunny days before the storms hit on sunday and apparently they can be full on but thats for another day.
Its late now and i have to find a tree to sleep under.Its a crazy way of living but its different and God has some good trees to choose from. Goodnight.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Howdy folks,
Well i have finally arrived at my much anticipated Denver Colorado.Yes the first thing i did when i spotted the mountains in the distance was to play john denvers song rocky mountain high.I am staying at the ywam base which is great .Its good to be part of a family that is all over the world and just feel totally at home in.
I will have a couple of days break here before tackling the hardest part of the journey.This is the base that had the tragedy about 1 year ago when a guy came in and shot 2 ywamers dead and injured others.The base are doing fine now and have moved on from that.
The last few days have been good ,in the reasonably hard bracket but also enjoyable at times.I have another mosquito story though.I was riding for several hours when i got swamped by hunreds of them.For the next 4 hours of every second i was either scratching or killing them.
They were driving me mad .I finally came to a house and a guy gave me a repellant that actually worked.Its a wonder no one has used them as a form of torture.After a few hours i would confess to anything.
I would appreciate ya prayers over the coming weeks as i combat the mountains,altitude.and probably attitude,humidity,cold,rain,wind,all the lovely elements that will certainly be a big challenge but i know i will get there with the Lords help and your support.
Thats about it for now.Many blessings,
Bernie
Well i have finally arrived at my much anticipated Denver Colorado.Yes the first thing i did when i spotted the mountains in the distance was to play john denvers song rocky mountain high.I am staying at the ywam base which is great .Its good to be part of a family that is all over the world and just feel totally at home in.
I will have a couple of days break here before tackling the hardest part of the journey.This is the base that had the tragedy about 1 year ago when a guy came in and shot 2 ywamers dead and injured others.The base are doing fine now and have moved on from that.
The last few days have been good ,in the reasonably hard bracket but also enjoyable at times.I have another mosquito story though.I was riding for several hours when i got swamped by hunreds of them.For the next 4 hours of every second i was either scratching or killing them.
They were driving me mad .I finally came to a house and a guy gave me a repellant that actually worked.Its a wonder no one has used them as a form of torture.After a few hours i would confess to anything.
I would appreciate ya prayers over the coming weeks as i combat the mountains,altitude.and probably attitude,humidity,cold,rain,wind,all the lovely elements that will certainly be a big challenge but i know i will get there with the Lords help and your support.
Thats about it for now.Many blessings,
Bernie
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
the mountains are calling
Hi Folks,
Hope you are all doing well and enjoying life.I only have 2 days before i start the challenging rocky mountains though i think its not until 3 days into Colarado that the hard part begins.Mountains ,cold and less oxygen ,sounds like fun.At least i will be able to stay at the ywam base in Denver on my way through ,which will be great.
I have been constantly amazed on this trip how God brings about help and changes things around when ya really need it.There have been many times when i thought i am to tired to go far today or feel a bit down but with some prayer in a matter of miniutes i can feel fine again and have a renewed energy .I am sure thats also your prayers helping me.
The last couple of days the wind and heat have eased off .The one thing that is really bugging me though is mosquitoes.Why were those irritating things ever created other than to keep the repelant people in a job .They need to invent one that actually works.
There is a need to improvise at times .As you would appreciate its important to have clean underwear.Well i wash them in petrol station toilets .How to dry them? Obvious.Put them on the handle bars of the bike and they dry as i ride along .Beautiful eh.
Keep me in your prayers duting this next difficult stage .At least i will experiance the beauty of the mountains.God never gives us more than we can handle so i know as with all of us ,if we look to Him in whatever our circumstances ,He will help,teach and bless us in whatever we have to go through .
Pray also for Home of the open Heart as we wait to see God move in the area of financial blessing for that charity.
Love and Peace,
(well it is the anniversary of woodstock)
Bernie
Hope you are all doing well and enjoying life.I only have 2 days before i start the challenging rocky mountains though i think its not until 3 days into Colarado that the hard part begins.Mountains ,cold and less oxygen ,sounds like fun.At least i will be able to stay at the ywam base in Denver on my way through ,which will be great.
I have been constantly amazed on this trip how God brings about help and changes things around when ya really need it.There have been many times when i thought i am to tired to go far today or feel a bit down but with some prayer in a matter of miniutes i can feel fine again and have a renewed energy .I am sure thats also your prayers helping me.
The last couple of days the wind and heat have eased off .The one thing that is really bugging me though is mosquitoes.Why were those irritating things ever created other than to keep the repelant people in a job .They need to invent one that actually works.
There is a need to improvise at times .As you would appreciate its important to have clean underwear.Well i wash them in petrol station toilets .How to dry them? Obvious.Put them on the handle bars of the bike and they dry as i ride along .Beautiful eh.
Keep me in your prayers duting this next difficult stage .At least i will experiance the beauty of the mountains.God never gives us more than we can handle so i know as with all of us ,if we look to Him in whatever our circumstances ,He will help,teach and bless us in whatever we have to go through .
Pray also for Home of the open Heart as we wait to see God move in the area of financial blessing for that charity.
Love and Peace,
(well it is the anniversary of woodstock)
Bernie
Friday, August 14, 2009
nebraska and some more
Howdy Folks,
I am now half way across Nebraska and though hot and windy its not to bad.I had a good time last night when i arrived at a small town in a place called Poke. I was just deciding which tree i would sleep under when a guy Jeff on his motor bike invited me back to his place for a meal and he let me stay the night.His wife and three kids where great and very hospitable and it was a great time.
There have been some good times like that along the way and times when i have a real sence of freedom ,with the sun on me and a breeze and ya think how good is this ,riding across America.I rememeber one time i knew a storm was coming and i really hate riding in the rain so i was dreading it as i was out miles from anywhere.
As it started to come down i just made it to under a bridge that gave me enough protection.I was not sure if it would pass soon or i would have to ride on in it but as i sat there i had this sence of a deep peace and presence of God.I felt i could have stayed all day but when the rain stopped 30 mins later so did this feeling and in felt a bit disappointed it was over.
So there are good times,i dont want to share just those harder trials.A big part of why i am doing this is to try and find a greater reality of who God is.I am glad now that i am doing this by myself because i think having someone with me would be a distraction from achieving that .We all need to draw away at times to find the real reason we are here for.
I really like the ywam community i live at and my church at St Lukes but it is very easy at times to drift along and become comfortable and enjoy all the good things but still not have ya heart where it should be .God cleans up the mess you come to Him with, the addictions and whatever but there is so much more and i think i want to find out about the more.I certainly hope that happens along the way.I have had a little taste here and there.
Some other MAJOR things i have discovered about America are .They dont have outside taps ,i have to fill my water bottles in the toilet or the restroom as they politely call them here.They have the best donuts in the world ,yum.The drivers are funny when it comes to passing bicycle riders.Maybe its because i havent come across any riders using main roads or highways and drivers arnt use to seeing people riding along but they go way over to the other side if no car is coming and try and stay well clear .Thats great because in Australia i think alot of drivers play the game of seeing how close they can get without hiting you.
Americans also have a religiousity that i havent found at home.That is not always so good. Religion can be such a counterfeit and can seem almost like the real thing but isnt.Take away the facade and you have a people as in need of a genuine experiance and a life that shows that as people in any non christian country.
You can have some strange thought as ya riding along.I was thinking the other day whatever happened to Jethro from the beverly hillbillies.Now you would have to be about my age to remember it but if you do you would think it pretty wierd to think of Jethro.
Well its time to get back on the saddle.Thanks for taking the time to read .Continue to pray for Gods provision for Paul and Penny fom Home of the Open Heart to be able to build a place for the babies with AIDS ,to give them the care they need and help with the other work they are doing.Check out more details on their website .
Thanks for all your prayers ,support and finances in helping me get this far.Still along way to go but as i tell myself many times ,its one day at a time.
Bless you all,
Bernie
I am now half way across Nebraska and though hot and windy its not to bad.I had a good time last night when i arrived at a small town in a place called Poke. I was just deciding which tree i would sleep under when a guy Jeff on his motor bike invited me back to his place for a meal and he let me stay the night.His wife and three kids where great and very hospitable and it was a great time.
There have been some good times like that along the way and times when i have a real sence of freedom ,with the sun on me and a breeze and ya think how good is this ,riding across America.I rememeber one time i knew a storm was coming and i really hate riding in the rain so i was dreading it as i was out miles from anywhere.
As it started to come down i just made it to under a bridge that gave me enough protection.I was not sure if it would pass soon or i would have to ride on in it but as i sat there i had this sence of a deep peace and presence of God.I felt i could have stayed all day but when the rain stopped 30 mins later so did this feeling and in felt a bit disappointed it was over.
So there are good times,i dont want to share just those harder trials.A big part of why i am doing this is to try and find a greater reality of who God is.I am glad now that i am doing this by myself because i think having someone with me would be a distraction from achieving that .We all need to draw away at times to find the real reason we are here for.
I really like the ywam community i live at and my church at St Lukes but it is very easy at times to drift along and become comfortable and enjoy all the good things but still not have ya heart where it should be .God cleans up the mess you come to Him with, the addictions and whatever but there is so much more and i think i want to find out about the more.I certainly hope that happens along the way.I have had a little taste here and there.
Some other MAJOR things i have discovered about America are .They dont have outside taps ,i have to fill my water bottles in the toilet or the restroom as they politely call them here.They have the best donuts in the world ,yum.The drivers are funny when it comes to passing bicycle riders.Maybe its because i havent come across any riders using main roads or highways and drivers arnt use to seeing people riding along but they go way over to the other side if no car is coming and try and stay well clear .Thats great because in Australia i think alot of drivers play the game of seeing how close they can get without hiting you.
Americans also have a religiousity that i havent found at home.That is not always so good. Religion can be such a counterfeit and can seem almost like the real thing but isnt.Take away the facade and you have a people as in need of a genuine experiance and a life that shows that as people in any non christian country.
You can have some strange thought as ya riding along.I was thinking the other day whatever happened to Jethro from the beverly hillbillies.Now you would have to be about my age to remember it but if you do you would think it pretty wierd to think of Jethro.
Well its time to get back on the saddle.Thanks for taking the time to read .Continue to pray for Gods provision for Paul and Penny fom Home of the Open Heart to be able to build a place for the babies with AIDS ,to give them the care they need and help with the other work they are doing.Check out more details on their website .
Thanks for all your prayers ,support and finances in helping me get this far.Still along way to go but as i tell myself many times ,its one day at a time.
Bless you all,
Bernie
Monday, August 10, 2009
Gday ,
Well i am now at the border of Iowa and Nabraska.Last post i mentioned how good the weather had been but i reckon God must have decided i was getting it to easy as 2 days later i had the most demanding day so far.The temp got to 96 plus humidity and head wind and hills made for a full on 12 hours in the saddle.
To top off the day i slept in my favourite place, a cematry and it was still very hot and i was dity and sweaty and the mozzies were really bad so i am spraying repellant all over me but i reckon they liked the stuff .i went through nearly half a bottle of the horrible greasy stuff ,but i finally got a few hours sleep.Are there any natural non greasy repellants ,if so let me know.The next day was nearly as hot but with some storms for good measure.Next time i email something positive i will try and not let God see it.
I do think from here it gets alot tougher with the weather and hills and in just over a week the rocky mountains which will make what i have experianced so far like the warm up.If i was to rate the ride so far it would be roughly like this .Reasonably hard to tough 50 %.very tough 25% good 15%, very good 10%.
If you come across any good inspirational quotes post them as i may need them over the next 3 months . In the next day or two i will reach the 4000km mark which is half of the 8000 i will travel.Sadly it isnt really half way in time as the next 4000 will take longer due to the mountains and weather conditions.At worst i hope to finish by November 25th in time to experiance thanksgiving with ywam San francisco which is a couple of days later.I think i will be the most thankful person there.
That will be 5 months to the day since i started and i will celebrate september 11th as the half way mark and as a reminder to pray for those who lost loved ones on that day.Its also the day the crows should be battling it out in the finals.Sorry for all you not from Adelaide and dont know what i am talking about.
Keep praying for a breakthrough in finances for Home of the Open Heart and for strenght to keep going.Also that i may experance more of God as i often feel there is so much more .Its a bit like the song Bono sings ' I still havent found what i am looking for'.I know i have found the truth and the truth is a person, Jesus but i have hardly scratched the surface of who He is and to be used by Him .
Sorry but i need to bring this up again as the finances are again getting low.I need money for food and accomadation when i am not sleeping outside.If you can help my bank is Westpak.name Bernard Scanlan bsb 035016 account 571887. Thanks heaps for any help you can give.
Thats about it for now.I know some people have trouble posting commemts dont give up but if you cant you can always contace me on bkscan24@yahoo.com.au.
Bless you all,
Bernie
Well i am now at the border of Iowa and Nabraska.Last post i mentioned how good the weather had been but i reckon God must have decided i was getting it to easy as 2 days later i had the most demanding day so far.The temp got to 96 plus humidity and head wind and hills made for a full on 12 hours in the saddle.
To top off the day i slept in my favourite place, a cematry and it was still very hot and i was dity and sweaty and the mozzies were really bad so i am spraying repellant all over me but i reckon they liked the stuff .i went through nearly half a bottle of the horrible greasy stuff ,but i finally got a few hours sleep.Are there any natural non greasy repellants ,if so let me know.The next day was nearly as hot but with some storms for good measure.Next time i email something positive i will try and not let God see it.
I do think from here it gets alot tougher with the weather and hills and in just over a week the rocky mountains which will make what i have experianced so far like the warm up.If i was to rate the ride so far it would be roughly like this .Reasonably hard to tough 50 %.very tough 25% good 15%, very good 10%.
If you come across any good inspirational quotes post them as i may need them over the next 3 months . In the next day or two i will reach the 4000km mark which is half of the 8000 i will travel.Sadly it isnt really half way in time as the next 4000 will take longer due to the mountains and weather conditions.At worst i hope to finish by November 25th in time to experiance thanksgiving with ywam San francisco which is a couple of days later.I think i will be the most thankful person there.
That will be 5 months to the day since i started and i will celebrate september 11th as the half way mark and as a reminder to pray for those who lost loved ones on that day.Its also the day the crows should be battling it out in the finals.Sorry for all you not from Adelaide and dont know what i am talking about.
Keep praying for a breakthrough in finances for Home of the Open Heart and for strenght to keep going.Also that i may experance more of God as i often feel there is so much more .Its a bit like the song Bono sings ' I still havent found what i am looking for'.I know i have found the truth and the truth is a person, Jesus but i have hardly scratched the surface of who He is and to be used by Him .
Sorry but i need to bring this up again as the finances are again getting low.I need money for food and accomadation when i am not sleeping outside.If you can help my bank is Westpak.name Bernard Scanlan bsb 035016 account 571887. Thanks heaps for any help you can give.
Thats about it for now.I know some people have trouble posting commemts dont give up but if you cant you can always contace me on bkscan24@yahoo.com.au.
Bless you all,
Bernie
Thursday, August 6, 2009
a bit of God stuff,sorry non christians
Hi,
Great to hear from Mr Neumanns class,i really appreciate you supporting the cause and encouraging me.I am sure your effort will go well and you find a joy that comes with helping others.
I am now in IOWA and learning to trust the Lord to take a day at a time and not to worry about what may or may not happen the next day.I have been so blessed with good weather as it been the coolest summer on record here.I love the heat but its been far better riding in 28 or 30 C than the usual hotter and more humid stuff.
There are good and hard days but i am slowly learning that God is there regardless and His grace is there when we need to endure and there when we can simply enjoy His goodness .The God of the mountain is with us in the valley and really there is no such thing as a bad day in the Lord but just a different way for Him to express His love even if we cant always appreciate it at the time.
I am trying real hard not to dwell on how hard the rocky mountains are going to be and have to trust that somehow God will get me up there.Keep praying God will release the finances to help the work of Home Of The Open Heart .Check out the website.Pray for me also as i know without that it becomes so much harder and almost impossible to continue. Thanks also to those who are donating to me personally so i can buy food and get accomodation when needed .Thats so great and as yet i havnt had to go on a fast.
Bless you all and if you find the time let others know about this website because you never know who might respond and open there wallet .There may even be a millionaire being burdened with to much money who is looking for a good cause to support.
In about 6 days i will be at the halfway mark and i will certainly celebrate that with a malted milk shake.Cant believe i am at that mark so soon.The hardest part is still ahead but i have a powerful God on my side and when i am at my weakest His strength is there in greater measure.
Bless you all and i pray for you also that each one will find more of His love and joy in relationship with Him and in serving Him with all the gifts He has given you to bring about a positive change in this world that is crying out for us to show them a better way.
Cheers,
Bernie
Great to hear from Mr Neumanns class,i really appreciate you supporting the cause and encouraging me.I am sure your effort will go well and you find a joy that comes with helping others.
I am now in IOWA and learning to trust the Lord to take a day at a time and not to worry about what may or may not happen the next day.I have been so blessed with good weather as it been the coolest summer on record here.I love the heat but its been far better riding in 28 or 30 C than the usual hotter and more humid stuff.
There are good and hard days but i am slowly learning that God is there regardless and His grace is there when we need to endure and there when we can simply enjoy His goodness .The God of the mountain is with us in the valley and really there is no such thing as a bad day in the Lord but just a different way for Him to express His love even if we cant always appreciate it at the time.
I am trying real hard not to dwell on how hard the rocky mountains are going to be and have to trust that somehow God will get me up there.Keep praying God will release the finances to help the work of Home Of The Open Heart .Check out the website.Pray for me also as i know without that it becomes so much harder and almost impossible to continue. Thanks also to those who are donating to me personally so i can buy food and get accomodation when needed .Thats so great and as yet i havnt had to go on a fast.
Bless you all and if you find the time let others know about this website because you never know who might respond and open there wallet .There may even be a millionaire being burdened with to much money who is looking for a good cause to support.
In about 6 days i will be at the halfway mark and i will certainly celebrate that with a malted milk shake.Cant believe i am at that mark so soon.The hardest part is still ahead but i have a powerful God on my side and when i am at my weakest His strength is there in greater measure.
Bless you all and i pray for you also that each one will find more of His love and joy in relationship with Him and in serving Him with all the gifts He has given you to bring about a positive change in this world that is crying out for us to show them a better way.
Cheers,
Bernie
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